French Huguenot Church

French Huguenot Church

French Huguenot Church

The French Protestant Church of Charleston was founded in approximately 1681 by Huguenot refugees from the Protestant persecutions in France. About 450 Huguenots had settled in South Carolina's Low Country by 1700. The first Huguenot Church was built on its present site in 1687, but in 1796 was destroyed in an attempt to stop the spread of fire, which had burned a large surrounding area. The replacement for the original building was completed in 1800 and dismantled in 1844 to make way for the present Gothic Revival edifice, designed by Edward Brickell White and dedicated in 1845 The church was damaged by shellfire during the long bombardment of downtown Charleston in the War Between the States and was nearly demolished in the severe earthquake of 1886. The present building dates to 1845.
In 1845, the church also purchased and installed a tracker organ carved in the style and shape of a Gothic chapel. After the fall of Charleston in 1865, federal soldiers dismantled the organ and were loading it on a New York-bound ship when the pleas of the organist, Mr. T. P. O'Neale, and some influential friends saved it.
This is the only remaining independent Huguenot Church in America.

Info & Amenities

Location

I-26 E, take Meeting St. exit 221-B on the left. Turn rt. onto Meeting St./US 52. Left onto Chalmbers St. then left onto Church St.

You might also like:

Charles Pinckney was a principal author and a signer of the United States Constitution. This remnant of his coastal plantation is preserved to tell the story of a "forgotten founder," his life of public service, the lives of enslaved African Americans on...

Fish the surrounding waters of historic Charleston for red drum, trout, flounder, sharks and more. Fishing charters are catered towards beginners as well as the most seasoned fishermen. all bait, tackle, ice and fishing licenses included.

Southern hospitality is on display as you tour eleven of Summerville's loveliest homes and charming cottages while sampling the sumptuous fare of some of the Lowcountry's favorite chefs. Entertaining and decorating ideas will be on display with table...